Ben Foster's shock decision to take an indefinite break from international football has presented England coach Fabio Capello with a major headache.

The Birmingham goalkeeper cited concerns over niggling injuries and a desire to prolong his club career as the reasons for his decision yesterday.

Foster was number two behind Joe Hart in the international set-up and it is now imperative for Capello that the Manchester City man stays fit for the rest of the European Championships qualifying campaign and into next summer's tournament.

Behind Hart the options are limited. Paul Robinson, who has impressed for Blackburn this season, retired from England duty last season while Robert Green of West Ham and West Brom's Scott Carson have both had their troubles in an England shirt.

They at least have plenty of experience, not something that can be said for the likes of Frankie Fielding and Scott Loach, who are also likely to come into the frame.

Foster, 28, told bcfc.com: "I've enjoyed my time with England and am certainly not closing a door on the international side of things forever but this is the right thing for me to do right now in terms of club football.

"Inevitably every time I've had the opportunity to give my body a rest there has been an international fixture and the demands that come with that.

"In Joe, England have a goalkeeper who is extremely talented and a top guy, and he is an excellent custodian for the national side to have. I have no doubt he is going to go on to be one of the greatest.

"But this is the right decision for me as I want to prolong my club career for as long as possible."

Foster's decision was met with a degree of bafflement by two former England goalkeepers.

Peter Shilton, who won a record 125 caps between 1970 and 1990, told Press Association Sport: "I don't see how the amount of games he's playing for England is actually going to put an extra strain on him.

"I would have thought to be involved in the England situation would be a priority.

"Joe Hart has established himself as the number one at the moment but it's early days and I would have thought he would want to put some pressure on and wait for a chance to become number one.

"It's got to be a backward step as far as I'm concerned in the long term."

Hart's predecessor David James, meanwhile, would still welcome a call-up at the age of 40.

The Bristol City stopper told talkSPORT: "I haven't retired yet. I wouldn't retire. You work hard enough to be in a position to be called up so it would be foolish in my eyes to give away that opportunity.

"To play in the national stadium in any event, be it a friendly or a World Cup qualifier, would be something I'd never want to miss out on.